apogee

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/ˈæp.ə.dʒiː/
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The highest point reached in success or in distance from Earth.
Practice using apogee in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Her career was at its apogee when the award arrived.
  • At apogee, the satellite is farthest from Earth.
  • The band’s popularity approached its apogee.
  • The spacecraft passed apogee just after noon.
  • The Moon is at apogee tonight.

Similar words

peak
zenith
farthest orbital point
culmination
high point
pinnacle

Meanings

Highest point of success

noun
achievement
formal
The point when someone or something has its greatest success, power or popularity.

Examples

  • The empire reached its apogee in the eighteenth century.
  • Her career was at its apogee when the award arrived.
  • The band’s popularity approached its apogee.
  • At the apogee of his power, he faced a rebellion.
  • The exhibition marked the apogee of that movement.

Similar words

peak
pinnacle
zenith
high point
culmination

Farthest point in an orbit

noun
astronomy
technical
The point in an orbit around Earth that is farthest from Earth.

Examples

  • The Moon is at apogee tonight.
  • At apogee, the satellite is farthest from Earth.
  • The spacecraft passed apogee just after noon.
  • Its orbit has a high apogee.
  • Astronomers measured the distance at apogee.

Similar words

farthest orbital point

Etymology

From French apogée, ultimately from Greek words meaning “away from Earth”. The orbital sense came first, then the image of a peak in success.

FAQ

What does apogee mean?

Apogee is a highest point of success, power or popularity, or the farthest point of an Earth orbit.

When is apogee used?

The figurative sense appears in histories of careers, empires and art.

How does apogee differ from peak?

Peak is broad, while apogee also has a precise astronomical meaning.

How is apogee used in a sentence?

The empire reached its apogee in the eighteenth century.

Is apogee formal?

Yes. The success sense is formal, and the orbital sense is technical.

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